How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 T

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where the device’s screen goes out during a conversation, even if the phone is not held to the ear.This problem is especially acute for the Redmi Note 8 T model, which is equipped with a physical sensor located above the display. Dust, improperly pasted protective film or software failure can cause false positives, preventing it from completing a call or putting it on speakerphone.

Fortunately, the MIUI operating system provides the user with tools to manually control the module. Disabling the sensor does not require obtaining superuser rights or flashing the device. In most cases, it is enough to change the hidden settings of the engineering menu or perform the correct calibration to return the device to normal functionality without losing warranty.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods of solving the problem in detail, you will learn how to get into hidden areas of the system, what commands to enter and how to avoid typical errors. It is important to understand that completely disabling the sensor will cause the screen to burn constantly during the conversation until you yourself press the end button.

The reasons for the incorrect operation of the sensor on the Redmi Note 8 T

Before we start taking radical action to shut down the function, we need to understand the nature of the failure. The approach sensor on the Redmi Note 8 T is an infrared emitter and receiver located at the top of the body. If there is an obstacle in the path of the beam, the system receives a signal that the phone is near the ear and extinguishes the display.

A common cause of false positives is a protective glass or a film of poor quality, if the accessory is black or offset by the sticker, it overlaps the sensor, and the problem can be in the contamination of the speaker area where dust and skin fat accumulate, creating the effect of constant approach of the object.

Software conflicts are another risk factor: Once you update MIUI or install third-party applications to manage calls, the sensor settings can get lost, and in some cases, a simple reboot helps, but often more in-depth intervention is required.

⚠️ Warning: If you decide to turn off the sensor completely, be prepared for the screen to respond to the cheek touches during a conversation, which can cause the microphone to accidentally turn on, reset the call, or dial numbers from the contact book.

CIT Engineering Menu: The Basic Disconnection Method

The most reliable way to manage hardware modules is to use the CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu, which is designed to test components, but also allows you to change their status. To log into the menu on the Redmi Note 8 T, you need to open the standard Phone application and enter a special code.

Type ##6484#. If the code is entered correctly, a list of dozens of tests will open. Find the Proximity Sensor item in the list. When you click on it, you will be taken to the testing sub-menument, where the current sensor readings are displayed.

Inside the test, you'll see the value of "Near" or "Far" if the value doesn't change when you put your hand up to the top of the screen, it means that the sensor is malfunctioning or locked software. To disable the function in this section, you often need to find the Disable button or status switch, but in newer versions. MIUI Direct disconnection from here may not be available, and then the use of ADB-team.

Using ADB for Advanced Management

If the standard settings do not give a result, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer through USB-First you need to activate the developer mode: go to Settings → About the phone and seven times quickly click on the build number MIUI.

After activating the developer mode, include the item "Debugging by USB». Connect your phone to your PC and install Xiaomi drivers. To turn off the sensor through the command line, a command is used to change the global system variable. This action requires attention, since an error in the syntax can lead to unstable operation.

adb shell settings put global proximity_on_close 0

This command disables (disables) the system's response to the sensor signal at or during the call. To return it as it was, use the same command, replacing "0" with "1." This method is the most effective for users who want to completely ignore the sensor readings.

Sensor calibration as an alternative to shutdown

Often, you don't need to shut down completely, you just need to recalibrate the sensor. Wrong calibration values make the phone think the object is close, but it's not. Calibration is done through the same CIT engineering menu.

Enter the test menu, select "Proximity Sensor." You'll have a Calibration button in front of you. To do the procedure, remove all items from the top of the phone, press the calibration button, and wait for the success message. If the system says "Fail," try closing the sensor with your finger and then removing your hand during the process.

• 📱 Make sure the top of the screen is completely clean.
• 📱 Remove the cover if it has sidebars that go into the front panel.
• 📱 Do not press any buttons during calibration.

Once you've calibrated it successfully, the phone will automatically reboot or require it. Check the sensor by making a test call. If the problem persists, it may be a hardware malfunction of the module itself.

Third-party applications for call management

If the system methods seem too complicated, you can use third-party software from Google Play. There are applications that intercept the control of the proximity sensor and allow you to adjust its sensitivity or completely ignore its readings.

One popular solution is the Proximity Sensor Reset & Test, which allows you to reset the sensor cache and perform deep calibration, and another is to use alternative "calls" that have their own screen settings while you're talking, ignoring the MIUI system commands.

However, it's worth remembering that installing third-party apps for the phone's basic features can lead to increased battery consumption and system conflicts.Native calibration tools usually work more stable and safer for the device.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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If you often use a speakerphone or headset, it makes sense to turn off the sensor software so that the screen doesn’t go out in your pocket or on your desk unnecessarily.

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Timely calibration and cleanliness of the upper body is the key to stable operation of the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 8 T.